A/Prof Warren Fong is a Senior Consultant in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Singapore General Hospital. He graduated with an MBBS from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK), and completed his Advanced Specialty Training in Rheumatology in 2014.
His clinical and research interests are in inflammatory arthritis, in particular spondyloarthritis. He is part of the SGH axial spondyloarthritis care team and has served as a principal investigator for clinical trials on biologic agents in ankylosing spondylitis and on biomarkers in axial spondyloarthritis.
He holds academic appointments at Duke-NUS Medical School and the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS, and is involved in postgraduate rheumatology and internal medicine training within SingHealth.
Clinical focus
Spondyloarthritis & psoriatic arthritis.
Qualifications (as publicly listed)
MBBS (Singapore), MRCP (UK), FAMS (Rheumatology).
Where they practise
- Clinic / practice: Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Singapore General Hospital — Outram
- Hospital / training affiliation(s): Singapore General Hospital; Duke-NUS Medical School and Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, NUS
Getting to the clinic
The Department of Rheumatology and Immunology is part of Singapore General Hospital (SGH) on the Outram campus. The nearest rail station is Outram Park MRT (EW16 / NE3 / TE17), an interchange on the East-West, North East and Thomson-East Coast Lines, with sheltered links into the SGH campus. The campus is also served by several bus routes, and taxi or ride-hailing drop-off is available at the hospital. As a large public hospital, SGH has visitor carparks on site, though the campus is extensive, so allow time to find the correct building and clinic.
Because SGH is spread over many blocks, it is worth checking your appointment letter for the specific clinic location and using the campus signage, information counters or shuttle services to find your way. Arriving early helps with registration and any pre-clinic steps.
What spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis care covers
A/Prof Fong’s clinical and research interests are in inflammatory arthritis, particularly spondyloarthritis, and he is part of the SGH axial spondyloarthritis care team. Spondyloarthritis is a family of inflammatory conditions that often affect the spine and the joints where ligaments and tendons attach to bone. Axial spondyloarthritis, which includes ankylosing spondylitis, typically causes inflammatory back pain and stiffness, often worse in the morning or after rest and easing with movement, and can affect posture and mobility over time.
Psoriatic arthritis is a related condition that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain and swelling, and sometimes affecting the fingers, toes, spine and the points where tendons attach. These conditions can also involve the eyes, skin and bowel. Care aims to control inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, preserve joint and spinal function, and maintain daily activity, using a combination of exercise, anti-inflammatory medicines, disease-modifying drugs and, where appropriate, biologic therapy.
What to expect at a consultation
A first consultation usually begins with a detailed history, including the pattern of back or joint pain, morning stiffness, any psoriasis, eye inflammation, bowel symptoms and family history. An examination assesses spinal movement, posture, affected joints and tender points. Inflammatory back pain has particular features that help distinguish it from mechanical back pain.
Investigations may include blood tests for inflammation and genetic markers, and imaging such as X-rays or MRI of the spine and pelvis to look for inflammation and structural changes. The findings are discussed with you, along with a treatment plan that often combines a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme with medication. You are encouraged to ask about exercise, work and long-term outlook.
Preparing for your appointment
It is helpful to bring:
- Your photo identification and a GP or polyclinic referral letter, which can help with subsidies.
- Previous records, blood results and any X-rays or MRI scans.
- A current list of all medicines and supplements.
- A symptom diary noting back or joint pain, stiffness, its timing and what helps.
- A written list of questions, including any about exercise and daily activities.
After your consultation and follow-up
Spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis are long-term conditions, so regular review is usual. After your visit you may receive prescriptions, a referral to physiotherapy, and follow-up dates to assess your response and monitor for side effects. Imaging or blood tests may be repeated over time. Referrals to eye, skin or other services may be arranged where needed. Reports and results can be obtained through the hospital. A second opinion is your right. Seek urgent care for sudden severe back pain with weakness or numbness, painful red eyes with light sensitivity, or signs of a significant flare.
Booking, referrals and fees
As SGH is a public hospital, a referral from a GP, polyclinic or another doctor is generally the usual route and can support subsidy eligibility for citizens and permanent residents. For eligible procedures and admissions, MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans may apply within set limits, while outpatient consultations are commonly paid out of pocket. Subsidy and billing depend on your status and the services used, so confirm current fees directly with the hospital.
Common questions
How is inflammatory back pain different from ordinary back pain?
Inflammatory back pain tends to come on gradually, is worse with rest and in the morning, eases with movement and often improves with anti-inflammatory medicines, which helps distinguish it from mechanical back pain.
Is exercise helpful for spondyloarthritis?
Yes. Regular exercise and physiotherapy to maintain spinal mobility and posture are a cornerstone of treatment, alongside medication.
What is the link between psoriasis and arthritis?
Some people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint condition. Telling your doctor about any psoriasis helps with diagnosis and treatment.
Will I need biologic medication?
Not everyone does. Biologic therapy may be considered when other treatments do not control inflammation adequately, and the decision is made with you based on your condition.
Related guides
Sources & verification
See also: our editorial directory of rheumatologists in Singapore and our shortlist of rheumatology clinics.
This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.
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